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Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua

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Antigua, Guatemala
Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua
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Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua
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From USD89.95

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Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon10 hours  (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
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iconOffered in: English and 1 more

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Overview

Journey from Antigua to explore the fascinating market at Chichicastenango plus the town of Panjachel, along the shores of Lake Atitlán, on this 9-hour day trip. Take time to browse the ceramics and woodcrafts at the famous open-air market of Chichicastenango before visiting the city’s religious structures, Iglesia de Santo Tomas and Calvary Church. Then head to Panjachel, where you’ll take in views of Lake Atitlán as you explore the town’s main thoroughfare, Santander Street. Your trip also includes a guide and round-trip transportation from your hotel in Antigua.
  • Day trip to Panajachel and Chichicastenango from Antigua
  • Visit the town of Chichicastenango and shop for beautiful goods at its open-air market
  • Stroll down Santander Street in Panajachel and learn about the town’s history from your local guide
  • Admire stunning views of Lago de Atitlán
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off and all entrance fees included
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From USD89.95

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Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Food and drinks
Gratuities
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7:30 AM
Pick up time will be within 15 minutes of the established departure time in your confirmation.
Visit two of Guatemala’s most fascinating cultural sites, Chichicastenango and Panjachel, on this day trip from Antigua. Along the way you’ll have time to browse for handmade goods at a famous open-air market, visit the area’s top churches and see the shores of the famous Lake Atitlán.

Start your excursion with an 8am pickup from your Antigua hotel, heading towards Chichicastenango. Upon your arrival at this historic village, take some time to wander its cobblestone streets and colonial structures before continuing to the city’s renowned market for shopping. This sprawling commercial center features local produce and a wealth of handmade goods for sale, including ceramics and woodcarvings. 

Bargain for a souvenir or two, and then proceed to the east side of the plaza to Iglesia de Santo Tomas (Church of Saint Thomas). This historic structure, built in 1540, often plays host to Mayan rituals. Just across the plaza is Calvary Church, a slightly more compact version of Iglesia Santo Tomas, which you’ll also have a chance to visit.

Leaving Chichicastengo, head next to Panjachel, a small hamlet on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlán. This cozy town is known as a central hub for travelers as they make their way to the picturesque villages that dot the lakeshore. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant (at your own expense) then wander along the town’s main road, Santander Street. Explore this beautiful strip with your guide, pausing to observe the rhythms of daily life and shop among its various handicraft stalls, restaurants and shops. Make sure to enjoy beautiful views of the lake just in the distance, then climb aboard your transport for the return trip back to Antigua.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Mercado de Chichicastenango
After pickup from your Antigua hotel, your tour begins as you head northwest to Chichicastenango. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you walk through the town’s narrow cobblestone streets and past its red-tiled roofs. In the main town plaza, visit the famous Chichicastenango open-air market, filled with locally made products like ceramic pots, wood carvings and handmade goods, as well as fruits and vegetables. Browse the local wares and pick up a souvenir or two to take home!
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Duration: 2 hours 
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Santo Tomas Church
While you’re in the plaza, visit the Iglesia de Santo Tomas (Church of Santo Tomas), located on the east side of the plaza. Dating back to 1540, the church is often home to Mayan rituals.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Panajachel
After exploring Chichicastenango for a few hours, continue your day trip to Panajachel, a small town located on the northeast shore of Lago de Atitlán (Lake Atitlan). Panajachel is a quaint, charming town where you'll stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before heading over to visit the town’s main thoroughfare, Santander Street. Walk along the street with your guide and observe town life going on at the locally made handicraft stalls, other shops and restaurants.
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Duration: 1 hour 
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Lago de Atitlan
Admire beautiful views of Lago de Atitlán from the shores of Panajachel before heading back to Antigua.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travellers
  • OPERATED BY Guatemalan Adventure
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Temperature checks for travellers upon arrival
See all safety measures taken by Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitisation during Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua?
A:The policies on sanitisation are:

  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
See all safety measures taken by Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
See all safety measures taken by Chichicastenango and Panajachel Day Trip from Antigua.

Traveller Tips

  • "It is a fairly long drive, but there are rest stops going and coming." See review
  • "I would have preferred an earlier meal and time at the lake instead of just viewing it." See review

Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
21 reviews
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12
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Reviews by Viator travellers

Showing 1-10 of 21 reviews
star-5
Book it
Tessa_M
, Apr. 2022
Unexpectedly had a private tour and had a wonderful day. The drive from Antigua is quite long but very scenic! Learned loads about the local culture. Would 100% recommend this trip! Very grateful for my guide Luis Pedro who was wonderful.
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star-4
Great driver/guide but market is a disappointment
Nancy_L
, Jan. 2022
Our driver was amazing - shared with us a lot about Guatemala (first time in the country) and took us to a lovely Mayan restaurant for locals to eat authentic local food. When we got to Chichi, it was unfortunately not what we expected. By that, I meant the market not the church. The church was worth going but the market was inundated with locals trying to sell you overpriced products. Unlike other markets, they literally follow you. I had a woman and girl follow me for 45 minutes! My friend had a boy no older than 8 following her and trying to sell her things from his bags for 6 blocks. Just when you thought they finally gave up, they pop back out. Tourist trap.
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1 traveller found this review helpful
star-5
I’d do this again
Taneal_C
, Nov. 2021
My friend and I really enjoyed this activity. Our guide Carmen was really cool and full of knowledge. I would definitely book this tour again. I learned a lot, saw a lot, and I didn’t feel like a tourist (lol). The market was much more crowded than I expected, but that was a part of the authentic experience I was hoping for. My only regret is not stopping to buy mementos.
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1 traveller found this review helpful
star-5
Fantastic!
Linda_A
, Oct. 2021
I had my tour on October 24, 2021 and it was amazing! My guide picked me up on time. He was very knowledgeable about the towns and the country and the people. I learned so much. We visited the markets, the waterfall, the towns and I even met some of the Mayan people. What an incredible experience! 5 out of 5 I would highly recommend!
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1 traveller found this review helpful
star-5
Chichi and Pana day trip
Kristen_B
, Jun. 2021
Miguel was the best. Very informative. Provides great history. Very careful with your safety. The lake is beautiful. You should spend more than one day there. My schedule did not allow for that so this was a great trip.
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star-5
Great tour
Mark_C
, May 2021
Super fun trip to the market and lake. Our guide was excellent and provided so much valuable information and sights we would have never found by ourselves. He knew exactly where to go and was very attentive to our needs. He also let us stop at a nice leather store where my wife got a great jacket and cowboy boots. The level of service was outstanding. The market for a little overwhelming because we were some of the only tourists due to covid. I just laughed when people were trying to sell me everything under the sun. If you feel like it's too much, just tell your guide and they'll take you away. I felt like we made a friend on this tour. You won't be disappointed. Since it was just my wife and I, we were able to adjust the tour to our needs. Great service
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star-4
A Sunday to remember
Gayle
, Mar. 2020
Our driver picked us up on time at our hotel in a late model vehicle, very comfortable. He was a good driver, and fluent in English as well as Spanish. It is a fairly long drive, but there are rest stops going and coming. The scenery is spectacular. We went on Sunday, market day in Chichicastenango, which is highly recommended - a huge colorful lively experience. Be sure to visit the food vendors inside also. Fantastic photo ops.
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star-5
Wonderful Day Trip
Becky_P
, Sep. 2019
Mirkos did a great job as our tour guide to Chichicastenango. He was very knowledgeable and because we ended up as the only two on the tour, he let us make decisions about how to spend our time. I would definitely recommend this day trip!
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star-5
Perfect tour for a short visit!
Adriana_J
, Aug. 2019
This tour was ideal to pack in a lot of sites into our much too short visit to Guatemala. We were initially concerned about the long drives, but the guide was extremely knowledgeable and made the tour interesting throughout the entire time in the car (and outside of it!). We spent a good amount of time in the market and the guide made it a learning & cultural experience rather than just shopping. He also did a great job of making sure we had enough time to see everything. The time in Panajachel was a bit short, but that was expected given the time limitations.
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star-4
I loved walking through the markets of...
Rachel P
, Sep. 2018
I loved walking through the markets of Chichicastenango I felt we had the perfect amount of a guided tour and then free time to shop. Driving to Panajachel was lovely, and we ate lunch near the lake. I would have preferred an earlier meal and time at the lake instead of just viewing it. But it was still a lovely day and one I recommend!
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star-4
This day trip was a nice experice...
laruta2
, Aug. 2017
This day trip was a nice experice. Mike the tour guide was great. The visit to the market was impressive to me, all the colors, people, the cementery. The view to the lake.
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star-3
This trip was wonderful, the driver...
Laura U
, Feb. 2016
This trip was wonderful, the driver was the best one we could have! He told us a lot of the history about Guatemala. He was an expert on driving besides it is a difficult road. The only thing we miss was our walk through Santander Street, we just went to it by car and that was it! We wonder why?
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star-2
This tour from Guatemalan adventure...
k.raghuveer007
, Dec. 2015
This tour from Guatemalan adventure is ok. Market and Lake are a long drive from Antigua. Market I believe is almost 3 hrs and lake is around 1 - 1:30 hr from the Market and drive back from lake is around 3 hrs. Roads are windy and you might get sick driving up and down the hills. Traffic jams can be expected too. Market itself is nice and colorful. You can find lot of stuff to buy and you can negotiate the prices too. Our guide Ramirez I believe was a nice guy and very informative and kept us engaged throughout the trip. Lake is beatuiful surrounded by volcanoes but you wont have much time to spend at the lake. We had lunch near a lake side resturarant and spent around 15-20 mins and headed back. We couldn't find good place to walk around lake. More of resturants where we were stopped and it was dirty to walk.
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star-5
We really enjoyed this tour the...
Eric G
, Sep. 2015
We really enjoyed this tour the driver gave us lots of information about the region and the markets and plenty of time to explore and have lunch at our leisure, recommended.
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star-3
It's a beautiful lake to visit. I...
Liani S
, Jun. 2015
It's a beautiful lake to visit. I recommend to visit during off season because you can enjoy a walk by the lake peacefully. But if you're members of younger crowds, perhaps July - August visit fits you better.
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star-5
Our guide Michelangelo was VERY...
maui_kazowee
, Feb. 2015
Our guide Michelangelo was VERY knowledgeable and an absolute delight to spend the day with. He took great care of us, taught us a lot about the area, and left us wanting to book a longer stay at Lake Atitlan.
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star-5
We had a wonderful day with Mike our...
susanhanson
, Nov. 2014
We had a wonderful day with Mike our tour guide. He took us to Chichicastenago first where we toured the town and the large market on a Sunday. Mike lead us through the very large crowded market and gave us a few tips on what items should sell for. Then he gave us some time to shop. Next we went to Panajachel for a late lunch and had fresh black sea bass. Then we explored the town, and went back to Antiqua with our treasures from the markets. Mike was an excellent guide with extensive knowledge of Guatamala and was an excellent driver.
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star-4
It's a 3 hr drive to the towns. The...
sandra e
, Jun. 2014
It's a 3 hr drive to the towns. The roads are windy and long, if you get car sick
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star-4
Fantastische trip naar...
Katrien V
, Aug. 2014
Fantastische trip naar chichicastenango en lago atitlan. De gids was op tijd, vriendelijk, behulpzaam en sprak zeer goed Engels. Hij wist zeer veel te vertellen over de (geschiedenis van) het land. We hebben heel veel bijgeleerd over guatemala. Het transportmiddel was ook prima. We deden de trip samen met een ander gezin. Dit was een zeer bijzondere belevenis omdat ze hun geadopteerde zoon zijn geboorteland lieten zien. We hebben een hele fijne dag beleefd. We waren in antigua met een huurwagen, maar waren toch heel blij dat we de markt niet op onszelf bezocht hebben. Anders hadden we ons verloren gevoeld. Nu kregen we veel tips van de gids en hebben we toffe spullen gekocht aan een aanvaardbare prijs. Top uitstap, waarvan de belevenis wel voor een groot stuk bepaald werd door de gids en de medereizigers. Wel jammer dat we geen luch hadden met zicht op het meer. Er had ook wat meer tijd uitgetrokken mogen worden voor het meer bezoek.
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